Press release
Minister launches National Veterinary Prescription System
From Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Published on
Last updated on
The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, has launched the new National Veterinary Prescription System (NVPS) today.
The NVPS is an electronic national database which will collect all veterinary prescriptions and will help to support the continuing actions by the animal health sector to address the One Health challenge of Antimicrobial Resistance. The new database will enable recording of all veterinary medicines prescribed and dispensed for use in food producing animals.
Commenting on the new system, Minister McConalogue said:
“The development and introduction of this system will improve customer online digital services in line with the government's National Digital Strategy. It will also help to ensure that anti microbials are used appropriately and provide greater assurance to our national and international trading partners and customers.”
Veterinary prescribers can send prescriptions to the NVPS either using the free department web application or using their own practice software via a dedicated interface. Dispensers similarly can use the web application or their own business software using a similar interface to dispense all prescriptions on the NVPS.
One of the primary aims of the NVPS is to support the more sustainable use of veterinary medicines, in particular, antibiotics. This is essential if the medicines we have remain effective in order to protect human and animal health.
The Minister concluded:
“This innovative prescribing system demonstrates proactive leadership as Ireland continues to work collaboratively to address antimicrobial resistance, whilst also providing for the continuance of the competitive market for the supply of veterinary medicinal products, and choice to the farming community on where they can purchase and access veterinary medicines.”
Further information on the NVPS, including details of how to register, training and support is available on gov.ie/nvps.
A dedicated support helpline will be in operation from 9am to 5pm Monday to Sunday from 13 January 2025 to assist and support users of the system.
For any queries on the NVPS, contact nvps@agriculture.gov.ie